Angela sipped her drink, glancing around the lively room. Well, I wasn't always here all the time. I'm not even from around here.
Johnson's eyes narrowed slightly, though not with suspicion. Well, I had a feeling…
Rose floated casually above the couch, munching on a slice of pizza. So, where are you from?
I'm a hybrid—or mixed race, Angela explained.
Mary tilted her head, curious. Meaning you're a mixed race, right?
Yeah, between a human and a Dryaid. A low-ranking one, though, Angela said softly.
Jerry adjusted his glasses, leaning forward. So… what happened to them?
Angela's expression darkened. Something happened to our worlds, and the rift between the human world and the non-human worlds opened.
Johnson raised an eyebrow. Sorry, I got a question… what the hell is a Dryaid?
Angela let out a breath. They are… spirits of nature. Highly efficient users of nature magic and nature energy. Some races can't survive without the Forest. Others, like the watchers, can. They protect the Sacred Dryaids and maintain balance.
Jerry's grin widened, and his tone grew mischievous. Hmm… how do you guys reproduce? You have sex?
Johnson shot him a sharp glare. You didn't have to ask that, you pervert.
Jerry shrugged innocently. What? It's not like it's a bad question.
We warriors reproduce the same way humans do, Angela said, unfazed.
Jerry adjusted his glasses again. Hmm… interesting. Can you give us a visual image of the place?
What is that? Angela asked.
Rose leaned forward, clarifying. He means you should project the image of the place you once lived in.
Angela shook her head. Oh, I can't actually do that. I never grew up there. My mom used to tell me stories every night about our culture and origins.
Jerry's curiosity piqued. Hmmm… where are those people now? I'd love to meet them.
Angela's eyes darkened slightly. They are in the Dark Continent. As I was saying before you interrupted me… my mom is from another place. She never told me the name, but a rift opened, and she found herself in the human world. That's where she met my dad, Harrison, who was human, and that's how I was born.
Mary leaned closer. Well… where is your mom now? And your dad?
Angela's voice softened, tinged with sadness. Life wasn't easy on the other side of the slums. No good food, no clean water… many people were sick and dying from epidemics. My dad had no choice. During my mom's pregnancy, he had to break into the City, rob the rich, and give to all who were suffering—demons, Dryaids, demi-humans, and even the poor alike.
Rose floated lazily, still munching on pizza. Sounds like Robin Hood stuff.
Except it wasn't, Angela continued. While my dad helped in the shadows, people discriminated against him, especially because he was human.
Johnson frowned. What about your mom? Didn't she get a job or something?
Jerry groaned, annoyed. Really, bro? You had to ask that stupid question.
I was just curious, Johnson defended himself.
Jerry threw his hands up in exasperation. I never knew stupid people were real until I met you. They lived outside the city, behind the walls—no civilization, no development. Chaos! No electricity, no roads, no schools, no hospitals! Get that in that rock you call a brain!
Rose's eyes glowed as an energy ball formed in her palm. I seriously don't like you insulting my brother. Repeat what you just said.
Jerry's aura darkened, his limiters cracking. Because I do laugh with people doesn't give you the right to say anything you want about me!
Angela grabbed Johnson's sleeve, eyes wide. Johnson… what is that? She pointed at Jerry.
Mary's expression hardened. This kid… what is his true power?
Johnson sighed, raising a hand. Jerry, chill. Not everything deserves a reaction. Rose, I'm not offended. And Jerry, I apologize if I said anything wrong.
Jerry's aura dissipated, and he slumped back into his chair. Oh… I see. Sorry. I went too far.
Angela studied him intently. Your ability… hmm, should I continue?
Yeah, continue. We're all taking turns sharing our abilities and how we got them, Johnson said.
Angela drank a cup of water before continuing. My mom, being a Dryaid, used her abilities to help the slums. She healed the sick, cared for children—but it wasn't enough. People were still dying, and she was draining herself because she wasn't adapted to this harsh human world. After my little brother was born, my parents argued—my dad always going out late.
Johnson patted her head gently. Must've been hard on you.
It was, she admitted. We were literally begging for scraps. My dad had stopped stealing some years back, but one rainy night when I was six, he received an anonymous tip…
Jerry leaned forward. What happened?
Angela's eyes filled with tears. It was a bust. The police caught them. Most of the gang was killed. Few escaped, including my dad, but he returned badly wounded. That night… it's a night I'll never forget.
Rose floated closer, concern in her eyes. You don't have to cry. We'll help you find your mom. But… what happened to your dad?
Angela inhaled sharply. Mom held my brother, worried, and I asked her what was wrong. She smiled and said he went out to get food, that he'd be back soon. Then he returned, wounded, and told us to hide in the slums, to blend in, to leave the US if we had a chance. We fled to Chicago, but because we couldn't meet human citizen requirements, we were kicked into the slums.
Johnson gently touched her silky hair. It's okay… it's gonna be okay. You don't have to continue if you don't want to.
Angela rested her head on his chest. It's fine. I trust you guys, and I appreciate you all today.
Jerry produced a chilled juice from his shadow space. Here, have this. It should cool you down.
Angela drank, calming herself. Thank you… yes, as I was saying. We lived hungry, surviving on scraps, despised even by the poor. My little brother was dying. My mom exhausted herself trying to get food…
Jerry interrupted softly. Hold up. What work?
Work, Angela replied, a sad smile forming. Pleasing humans for money.
Jerry's eyes widened. Oh… oh what the hell!
Mary sipped her coffee. Your mom must have suffered bringing you up. Did she not stop?
Angela shook her head. They forced her, beat her, abused her. I watched over my little brother, sometimes accompanying her on missions. Within a year, our money and food ran out. We were exposed to rain, sunlight, snow, and insects… despair everywhere… until a man in a suit with golden hair appeared.
Rose leaned forward. Describe him!
Angela's eyes brightened slightly. Golden hair glowing, tall, warm smile… he asked if we could live. My mom had given up, my brother was dying… I couldn't refuse. We blinked, and suddenly we were transported to the Dark Continent—a civilized tropical area. My mom regained her strength…
Rose tilted her head. Seems the man ran you all to this "Dark Continent."
Johnson and Jerry looked at each other in shock. It's Africa, Rose. How did you know?!
Jerry smirked. Well… I technically own the place.
Johnson groaned. An old man told me today!
Mary blinked. Wait… this Dark Continent is Africa? And civilization is still developing… using 6G while we have AI and machines doing most of the work?
Johnson frowned. What do you mean, third generation?
Mary explained. Like, their civilization is not as advanced as Western countries.
Jerry shrugged. Not everywhere in America uses robots. Take Voyage City, for example.
Johnson glanced at Rose. Why aren't you saying anything?
Rose smirked. Maybe it's called "Dark Continent" because the residents are black.
Jerry's face darkened as he removed his glasses. How dare you speak about my subjects like that!
Rose froze, turning to stone as Johnson tried desperately to intervene. Rose… you…